One in three European citizens lives within 50km distance from the coast meaning that over 100,000 people are affected by the likes of flooding and sea level rise every year. The report shows that this number is expected to increase up to 3.65 million by 2100.

In analysing the future risks of coastal flooding, the scientists studied a ‘business as usual’ and ‘sustainability’ scenario.

Michalis Vousdoukas, a researcher in coastal oceanography at the JRC, told The Green News that the results of the study show that the ‘sustainability’ scenario will result in lower damages.

“Even if we could stop emitting now sea levels would keep rising for some time due to the greenhouse gases already in the atmosphere but the trend could reverse in the future,” Mr Vousdoukas added.

The study found that in order to keep flooding losses low Europe needs to install defence structures to withstand the increasing sea levels ranging from 0.5 to 2.5 metres.

Mr Vousdoukas said that “further adaptation will be necessary” and that existing EU policies are not sufficient to reach the required protection levels.

Flooding in Athlone in January 2016 Photo: Niall Sargent

Flooding and Climate Change

Extreme flooding is linked to the impacts of climate change as increasing temperatures impact the growing volume of water in the ocean and the melting of sea ice in Greenland and Antarctica.

The study showed that Ireland and UK will be among the worst affected EU countries, with Cork, Derry and Waterford expected to be hit hard. Even in a low-risk scenario, 85 per cent of cities in the UK is expected to face more intensified river floods.

The study found that the biggest shifts were recorded in Western Europe where floods are now starting up to two weeks earlier, while floods in northeast Europe start later.

The study found that if the trend of shifting flood timing continues, this will lead to economic and environmental damages as societies and ecosystems will need time to adapt to the changes.

Later floods would lead to softer ground for spring farming, intensified erosion, and direct crop damage. Earlier spring floods in Europe may lead to limited storage of water reservoirs and reduced water supply, the study found.

About the Author

Laura Matjusaityte

Laura is a first-year journalism student at DIT. She has an interest in the environment, veganism and literature.